PODCAST EPISODE 14 - The Jiggler, the Jingler and the Mermaid

Today's trifecta. The jiggler, the jingler
and the mermaid together in 1982. Pictured are Suzanne Somers,
Barry Manilow and the late Esther Williams. This unlikely threesome
is just one of the many odd couplings of celebs that you'll find at
Celebrity Archaeology.comSuzanne
Somers. She'll be forever remembered as the blonde in the
white Thunderbird in American Graffiti. After playing many dumb
blonde roles, Suzanne has lasted in show business by taking
detours. Career Actress, author, infomercial gal and health
spokesperson has kept her name in the forefront. She is the author
or more than 25 books with the latest being "Two's Company" about
her 50 year relationship with her husband/manager Alan Hamel. Her
role as Chrissy Snow on "Three's Company" made her a household name
but listening to her husband's advice cost her the role on the hit
TV com. Asking for a big pay raise and 10% of the profit of the
show backfired and Suzanne found herself out of a job. She tried
her hand at other series including "Step by Step" but it would be
her writing that would draw attention. In between books, she became
the spokesman for Thighmaster which is one of the most memorable
infomercials ever made. She also found time to star in a Las Vegas
show. Books The subjects of Suzanne's books range from her personal
account growing up with an alcoholic father to tips on her ageless
beauty. The book was called "Ageless: The naked truth about
Bioidentcial Hormones (1966). A breast cancer survivor, she
underwent a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. Her unconventional
alternative cancer treatments which she also put in a books gave
her both praise and criticism. Quote

"Every morning I get up, and I do a meditation of
gratitude for the love I have in my life, my wonderful husband, my
wonderful children, the work I get to do, the country I get to live
in,” she says. “I think happiness is something you can
choose."

Barry Manilow You heard his jingles before you
knew him. Writing songs for McDonald's and Dr. Pepper preceded his
world-wide recognition as an entertainer and songwriter. Early
Career The Brooklyn-born Barry has an interesting fact on his
resume. He was then-unknown Bette Midler's pianist when she was
performing in New York's gay bath houses. It seemed an unlikely
path for the young musician who studied at New York College of
Music and Julliard School. The hit maker ("Mandy," "I Write the
Songs" and "Copacabana") are three songs that define the popular
entertainer. After touring, he took up residence in Las Vegas with
his show-stopping performances. Love It wasn't until April 2017
that Barry revealed that he had been married to his partner Gary
Kief after a 30 year relationship. Afraid to come out to the
public, he was shocked to find that his fans still supported him.
Quote

“I thought I would be disappointing them if they
knew I was gay. So I never did anything,” Manilow said. “When they
found out that Gary and I were together, they were so happy. The
reaction was so beautiful — strangers commenting, ‘Great for you!’
I’m just so grateful for it.”

Esther Williams She was known as "America's
Mermaid." Esther Williams capitalized on her talent as a champion
synchronized swimmer to bring something new to the screen. The
Musicals Her beautiful body and pool scenes made her a darling of
MGM in the '40s and 50's. Technicolor brought her routines to life
and she said it seemed as if she "invited the viewers into the pool
with her." Two of her famous movies to check out are "Neptune's
Daughter," and "Million Dollar Mermaid." Other Ventures Esther left
acting but kept her name in the public when she started her Esther
Williams swimwear line and Esther Williams Pool Company-both of
which are still around today. Family Life She married four times.
Her third husband was the actor Fernando Lamas and she remained
with him until his death. Esther died on April 6, 2013 in Los
Angeles at the age of 91. Quote